Selling a house is frustrating

Our house has been on the market for 3 months. We started at a high price before the holidays and have now lowered it considerably to be where it should be. We haven't had 1 offer. Not even crazy low offers. What the heck!!!???

I feel like I can't give the house away! And besides the kitchen it is updated and shows really well.

Re: Selling a house is frustrating

if you want to FM me the MLS # I would be happy to take a look at it for you and give you my opinion

Re: Selling a house is frustrating

As someone actively and seriously looking for a home, I'd be willing to look at it as well and give you my impression! I've been told we are "picky". FM me the mls#!

Re: Selling a house is frustrating

When we bought our house, I was 'picky' as well. If you'd like to send me the mls number, I'll take a look.

Re: Selling a house is frustrating

how many bedrooms? is it in nassau? we are looking (have an offer accepted but things fall through often )

if its in our target area, Ill look at it FM me the MLS

Re: Selling a house is frustrating

You have FM! HTH!

Re: Selling a house is frustrating

A lot of times, you get the most interest and activity when the house is first on the market. That is the danger of pricing it high and later dropping it... at that point, it is kind of a "stale" listing (even though the price change should generate some new interest).

If you are not getting showings, it's either how it is being marketed (may even be the pictures, description, etc.), or what's being offered out to cooperating selling agents (what percentage of the commision split), or your asking price, or a combination of all 3. Do you know how your agent is marketing your house (where, how often, etc.?)? Is your agent doing open houses, and if so, how is he/she promoting them?

If you are getting showings but not offers, it's definitely the price and condition (really price, because if it's priced right for the condition, it will sell). Is your agent following up with agents that are showing the house to get buyer and agent feedback?

If you don't know the answers, you should address these things with your agent. If the current selling strategy is not working, then it needs to be revisited and revised periodically.

Hope this helps!

Re: Selling a house is frustrating

Nothing we can do about when and for how much we listed it now

It is on all the regular sites (long list) MLS, Listingbook, Trulia etc.

She has been doing open houses every other weekend for the last month and a half. and we have had several private showings. She does follow-up with the agents as well as those that come to the open houses. She sends out e-mails and it is on all the advertising sites.

The number 1 comment we hear is that the kitchen is too small. Nothing I can do about that. The other is they would prefer the den to be off the kitchen. Ours is off the living room.

We had a few that the price is too high which she always lets people know that the price is negotiable and that we are hearing all offers. I just think its odd because we haven't even heard and low ball offers. I would consider lowering the price a bit but I don't think that is going to bring in offers. I feel like we are missing something.

The bulk of people that show "real" interest already live here in town and like the house but have to sell theirs first.

As for the pictures I think it photographed well and we always get feedback that the house shows well.

I just don't get it. I just want to be able to start looking for a new house so we can sort out schools and such for our kids sooner rather than later.

Re: Selling a house is frustrating

Since now we are getting into the "busy season" in real estate (lots of buyers looking in the spring), your agent could do a broker's open house to make sure all of the agents in the area have seen it. I think that has two advantages:

1. You can feedback from local agents in the area who know the local market well; and

2. You can make sure that all active agents in the area have seen the home and can bring buyers who may be interested (and be in a better position to show it, accentuate the positive/downplay the negative, etc.)

Honestly, it may just be an issue of the timing of when your house came on the market. I know when we had broker's open houses and open houses around the holidays, we didn't get the turnout that we usually get (fewer agents were really working during the holidays), and then there was the bad weather and all of that. And in this market, unless they are really priced to sell fast, houses tend to stay on the market awhile (I think the national average is 6 months).

It only takes one buyer, so hang in there!

Re: Selling a house is frustrating

Thanks Christine. She has held a brokers open house. Even served them all lunch and she had a good turn-out. I think all of the real estates in town have had at least 1 person in. I know it only takes 1. I just wish that 1 would hurry up and get here!!!

Then the fun will beging to find a house!